We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow for two years to work within the Research School of Psychology at the Australian National University (ANU). The appointee will contribute to an ongoing research project focused on social identity processes and education in collaboration with Professor Kate Reynolds and be part of an outstanding social psychology research group at ANU.

In this project we are exploring how to create brighter futures through better understanding the role of school connectedness - identification, belonging - on academic achievement, bullying and well-being. Partnering with ACT Education Directorate, the RSP research team has been studying schools for the past 10 years and the research is having an impact nationally and internationally. The latest part of the project is focused on ways to build positive school (group) norms and school identification in ways that can be utilised by school Principals and leadership teams. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the ability for creative and original research and the ability to publish in top-ranking journals. The role presents a unique opportunity to work with government and develop research projects at the interface between social psychology and policy domains in education. The successful candidate will support the research team in data analysis, drafting of papers for publication and policy-related reports, and presentations.

Position overview

ANU has an international reputation for research and education relevant to the health and well-being of the population of Australia, as well as that of the developing world. This is achieved through discovery research, applied research in health service settings, research-led teaching in health and medical sciences, and the translation of research findings into practice and policy. The ANU College of Health and Medicine comprises the Research School of Psychology, the ANU Medical School, the John Curtin School of Medical Research and the Research School of Population Health. These schools work together to deliver world-class research and education across the spectrum of medicine and health-related fields, working in partnership with the health sector at local, national and international levels.

The Research School of Psychology (RSP) is a leading centre of teaching and research in Australia and is committed to excellence in research, teaching, and supervision of research/clinical students across all areas of psychology. This research project 'School Climate Survey Analysis and Research' is a collaborative project between RSP and the ACT Department of Education and Training and is focused on the social identity perspective and advancing the understanding of people’s group memberships and subjective commitment to such groups in explaining their attitudes, affect and behaviour. While the focus is on the school context, other community settings are also of interest.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant social or behavioral science discipline and have proficiency in quantitative methodological skills. An ability to apply structural equation modeling to cross-sectional and longitudinal data is highly desirable. Your exemplary communication skills will set you apart for this role as you will be involved in the preparation of publications and presentations for an academic as well as policy audience.

ANU is one of Australia’s premier universities and ranked amongst the best in the world. We offer a range of great employee benefits including 17% super, generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, salary packaging and more.

There is currently funding available to support this appointment for two years.

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

A statement addressing the selection criteria.

A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.

Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.